Even before she was crowned Homecoming queen 2013 at Arkansas Tech University, Molly Gibson had already made a special memory during the weekend of festivities.

Gibson, a junior from Atkins, rode in the Homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 25, in a 2008 Ford Mustang white convertible. But this wasn’t just any convertible.

It was a breast cancer awareness special edition Ford Mustang that is owned by Salli Summer Sexton of Hot Springs, one of just 124 such vehicles that exist in the world. The car features a breast cancer awareness ribbon painted on the side with pink striping, pink lights in the dash and pink stitching in the leather.

It was especially meaningful for Gibson because of her membership in Zeta Tau Alpha, which supports the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation with its philanthropic efforts.

“It is absolutely humbling to have the opportunity to ride in this very special car,” said Gibson while she waited for the parade to begin. “It’s so exciting because Zeta Tau Alpha is passionate about finding a cure for breast cancer and supporting those who are fighting to overcome breast cancer. I didn’t expect to be a part of it in this special and different way.”

Sexton is the cousin of Dr. Cathi McMahan, associate professor of recreation and park administration and head of the Arkansas Tech Department of Parks, Recreation and Hospitality Administration.

McMahan said that Sexton purchased the car two years ago when her cancer was in remission.

“Unfortunately, Salli’s breast cancer has returned and the cancer has now spread to her brain and bones,” said McMahan. “She has been undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and has undergone a number of other medical procedures this past year and unfortunately, due to the toll of the cancer is not able to drive the car of her dreams…the white convertible Mustang. It made her day to know that her car was used in the Arkansas Tech Homecoming parade.”